Kids, Don't Do Acid, Do Christmastide

Why do some people choose to alter their perception through hallucinagenics? To step into fantasyland and experience the world, the senses, beyond the normal. In other words, to see cool stuff. (Well, that's what someone told me. How would I know?)

You can avoid the side-effects such as stripping off and climbing a telephone pole in your mother's front yard if you first take a look at Christmastide, SHOWstudio's project to celebrate the twelve days of Christmas, which ended January 6. They approached a dozen fashion designers who provided inspired images relating to the word 'light' that were then refracted and faceted as if seen through Swarovski's trademark sparkling crystals.

I could sit for hours and look at these. Like many projects on SHOWstudio this one is more of an interactive film and it's accompanied by ethereal and dream-like electronic music. Move your mouse within the borders to control the flow and explore hidden areas of the image. Each 'scene' is brief and then a new one begins.

Click here and Emilio de la Morena's film will load. His looks very Op Art to me and I love how the boldness of the black and white graphics fade into beautiful pastel shades just before the scene disappears - you want more. From this page you can select each of the designers. You can read about their inspirations here if you're curious, but I think it doesn't really matter as they speak for themselves (am I alone in finding that knowing too much can sometimes ruin things?). Rodarte's description, however, did confirm that it was the bunny monster from Donnie Darko I was seeing within the lush textures that reflected those of their incredible Spring 09 collection - theirs is one of my favourites as is Mary Katrantzou's (it's like watching the creation of little universes) and Scott Wilson's subtle, grainy blending of vivid shades and light/dark contrasts creates an effect that is just exquisite.

In other words, you'll see cool stuff.